MSU campaign sheds light on Indigenous women
(Her)story profiled 24 Indigenous women who have been identified as missing or murdered. 'We hope this provides a macro look at their lives that is often not seen. We chose to bring their stories to the forefront to raise awareness for the issue, and educate that these women are real people and hope that it will motivate students to make a change,' said Emma Perin, WGEN social and political advocacy executive.
A brand new McMaster Students Union pilot project is already making an impact on campus.
The Women and Gender Equity Network (WGEN) has been hosting a number of events for the McMaster community, including bringing in guest speakers and coordinating various workshops and panels.
Last week, the WGEN — in partnership with McMaster Indigenous Students Community Alliance and the Indigenous Studies Program — launched the Indigenous Women’s Campaign to bring to light the stories of missing and murdered Indigenous women.
As part of the three-day campaign, an art exhibit entitled (Her)story moved across campus from Thode Library to MUSC. (Her)story profiled 24 Indigenous women who have been identified as missing or found murdered.
“We hope this provides a macro look at their lives that is often not seen. We chose to bring their stories to the forefront to raise awareness for the issue, and educate that these women are real people and hope that it will motivate students to make a change,” said Emma Perin, WGEN social and political advocacy executive.
A discussion panel was also held last Thursday, followed by a candlelight vigil and walk to honour missing and murdered Indigenous women.
“All lives are important in Canada, including Indigenous women,” said Perin.
The WGEN aims to create services and events that will move towards creating a safe space on campus for women-identified people, trans people and survivors of sexual assault. The Indigenous Women’s Campaign was the first of many educational programs designed to raise awareness about gender issues, both on campus and in the greater Hamilton community.
“Its an opportunity to make known what kind of feminism we practice. WGEN tries very hard to have a feminism that is anti-racist, inclusive, anti-trans-phobic and very inter-sectional — a true feminism that raises a voice for all members involved,” explained Perin.
The WGEN has secured a space on campus, and will hold drop-in hours on weekdays in MUSC 226 from 4:30-9:30 p.m starting after Reading Week.
